6 min read · Anyone holding a Closing Disclosure
Reading your closing costs line by line
Which fees are the closer's, which belong to the lender, which are government charges, and where to ask questions.
Group the fees before you compare them
Comparing two quotes only works when you sort the lines into buckets: lender charges, title and closing charges, government recording and transfer taxes, and prepaids like taxes and insurance. Only the second bucket is really the closer's pricing.
Fees worth asking about
- Settlement or closing fee — the provider's own charge for handling the closing.
- Title search and examination — the work of confirming clear title.
- Notary and courier fees — often where a mobile signing charge shows up.
- Lender's title policy versus owner's policy — know which one you are paying for.
What VA rules limit
VA restricts certain fees a veteran borrower can be charged. A closer who handles VA loans regularly will already know which charges have to move to the seller or the lender. Ask them to point those out on your disclosure.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and does not reflect any government position. Confirm details with a licensed professional in your state.